Frog Wrestling

Mr. Will has been quite the busy boy!  He is officially crawling now, and gets faster and faster every day (it's a little scary).  He loves to head to the door in his efforts to get outside to see the birds, as well as to look at himself in the reflective door guard.  His next favorite target is Worden's water dish and/or the dishwasher, depending on what we've barred off.  He talks like crazy - ba-ba-ba-ba and da-da-da-da and na-nee-na-na are the "words" we hear most.  His nanny is teaching him some sign language, including "more," "bird," "dog," and "milk" - so far, he's really good at "milk," but is still working on the others.  As for the Frog Wrestling - we've found that his waking up no longer involves lying on his back and calling for us.  Instead, we hear grunts and hoots through the monitor, and come in to find him wrestling the stuffed frog that shares his crib.  He is always delighted to have us find him in mid-wrestle.  It's pretty darn cute, but there are some night-wakings during which it's been hard to convince him that it's sleepy time and not wrestling time.

A couple videos of recent events at our house (please forgive my goofy voice in any and all videos posted).  First, Will's first real crawling!

 Next, Will and Worden greet JT:

Next, some clapping and crawling for Worden:

And finally, some gooey teething biscuit smiles: 

Love to all!

Weekend Activities

Had to post just a couple cute pics from last weekend's activities.  Will's pseudo enthusiasm for the Badgers didn't do them much good, but we'll keep trying.  He also wasn't entirely sure about his brand new helmet, but willingly wore it for our first West Seattle bike jaunt.  Gotta keep that sweet noggin safe!

Hoot hoot!

 Will's Aunt Rachel visited last weekend, and bought him a very cute owl outfit, which he modeled earlier this week:

In my new owl outfit from Auntie Rachel!

In other news from my working mama world - I packed a baby spoon in my lunchbag today.

That's it for now!

Seven Months Old!

I decided I miss blogging, and that it's high time to provide a few more pics and insights into life with Mr. Will. It's only taken me 7 months to get here. :)

First, a pic or two of recent times:

This was actually taken around 6 months, when Auntie Amanda gave him this dashing, very Seattle-appropriate shirt.

Our little elf, relaxing on a very cool elfin bench on Whidbey Island.

Happy dance in the kitchen!

Speaking of happy dances, we did quite a few this weekend to various African tunes to get Auntie Amanda psyched up for her big adventure to Cape Town. We miss her oodles and oodles, and can't wait to hear all about her adventures!

Will is on the brink of crawling, which we will try to post via video. He's also doing a lot of hand-clapping, baa-ba-baaing, and hooting and hollering at Worden, his favorite member of our household (as his mama, that's hard to admit, but it's true).

Keep your eyes out for future posts, hopefully more often than every seven months. To come: Lucky and the Fat Lady, and The Case of the Missing B.O.B.

Love to all!

Alyssa

Did This Blogger Have a Baby or What?

Indeed, she did! William John Moir was born on February 15, 2010, weighing in at 8 pounds, 6.7 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches. We are overjoyed to have him with us in the world! He's a sweet little man, already almost 6 weeks (!!) old, and entertaining us every day with his bright eyes, his funny noises, and his cuddling. Obviously, he doesn't leave much time for blogging, but we'll do our best to provide updates, some pics, and the occasional video. Speaking of which ... here's one of his first grins!

"I predict 12 pounds"

We took a long walking excursion around West Seattle last Sunday to see if gravity would work its magic on Radish. Here's a video from some beach time with Worden, which wraps up with a couple seconds of belly time and Dave's prediction.

And a couple more belly shots ...

The bare belly! A perfect shade of Seattle pale.

My last visit to Dr. Block was last Friday, February 5th. She said I remain about 1 cm dilated but have progressed to about 80% effacement. Her prediction was that I would see her for another exam this Friday, February 12th, i.e. Radish likely won't make his debut before then. However, now that I'm officially on maternity leave, I've been taking long walks every day in hopes that perhaps he'll decide to arrive a little early. My Braxton Hicks contractions have increased in number and intensity at night (last night's was a bit of a doozy), so we'll see what that means. In the interim, I've been lightly "nesting." Haven't had the irresistable urge to scrub every last surface, but certainly feel compelled to run errands, finish off paperwork, cook up some meals for the freezer, and make that last run to Babies R Us. I suppose you're never fully "ready," but it's nice to have the time for a bit more preparation.

Love to all,

Alyssa, Dave, Radish and Worden

P.S. Worden is 100% fully recovered and back to his old self (as evidenced by his beach behavior). He's had to put up with his bed shifting to the other side of our bed to make room for the bassinet. While we occasionally hear a disgruntled sigh as he settles in, he seems to be accepting it (for now).

Movin'

My 37.5 week appointment with Dr. Block provided more indications that Radish is prepping for his debut! She estimated that I am 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced -- not necessarily indications that I'll go into labor soon, but evidence that my body is getting ready. She did not change his estimated due date (2/14 - so soon!), but I'm OK with that. I wouldn't mind a little more time to prepare!

Speaking of prepping - Dave and I took a newborn care class this morning, which was, as we've found with all classes so far, very helpful. Turns out that Dave is a pro at swaddling, but it looks like I may be better off taking over the bathing duties. We have yet to determine who has more talent when it comes to diaper changing.

I'm looking forward to my last week of work this week - February 5th will be my last day until my anticipated return in June. Originally I had thought that I would work up until February 12th, but due to some of the more arcane rules of my short-term disability plan, I'm better off taking more time off. I have NO problem with that, especially as it gets harder to sleep with this basketball on my belly.

Here's a pic taken about a week ago (so yes, I'm a bit bigger now!):
And here's a pic of Dave and Worden, worn out from all of the baby prep:

Love and hugs to all,
Alyssa, Dave, Radish, and Worden

Heading into the "Baby Zone"

My co-worker declared that because we're just about 3 weeks away from Radish's due date, we are now in the "Baby Zone." I'd have to agree, as my thoughts turn away from the outside world and towards that inner world that Radish inhabits. His frequent kicks to my ribcage and ability to shape-shift the contour of my belly are reminders that he's getting to a point where he doesn't have a lot of room to move around. I also find my mind wandering to what his little face is going to look like, how big his feet might be, and how he'll sound when we first meet him. And, of course, some anxiety is creeping in - will he be strong and healthy? How excruciating will labor be, really? Will nursing work out? How will Dave handle changing his first dirty diaper? Will we get ANY sleep in those first few weeks? The rest of our "Zone" centers on his room, filled with both the necessary stuff and the just plain fun stuff that we're accumulating. I can't wait to see him cuddled up in his ducky towel, or snuzzling in his multitudes of fuzzy PJ's.

My visit to Dr. Block today went well in its usual efficient manner. I'm measuring at about 36 weeks, which she said is just fine as I turn the corner to 37 weeks. His heartbeat was really loud and clear today, and once again, strong and steady. She made sure that his head is in the right position, and said that it looks like he's "settling in well." It does feel like he's moved down just a bit - not really a drop, but a small shift in downward pressure on my pelvis. We discussed labor and delivery, and what our plan will be if he goes beyond a week overdue (I currently have two friends who are 12 to 14 days overdue!). Next week, she'll start checking my cervix to see if we're making progress toward the big day. It's hard to believe that we're getting so close, but I guess that's the case when you're in the "Baby Zone!"

Much love to all,
Alyssa and Radish

P.S. We are all very excited to welcome Dave home tomorrow from his long and tiring week working in Vegas. Yes, I do believe him when he says he was there strictly for work. :)

Showered with Gifts and Love

Just wrapping up a fantastic weekend! Nana (AKA Candy V.) flew in to help Amanda and Alison host Radish's baby shower, which made for a very sweet birthday present as well.

Dave and I celebrating my 32nd with Nana, Auntie Amanda, and The Pear Tart at the Dahlia Lounge in Seattle.

The happy hostesses, Auntie Amanda and Alison, "working" the quiche as Radish's shower got underway.

Post-Baby Pictionary, as we get ready to open gifts. The neighbors later reported that they could hear a house full o' ladies for most of the afternoon, whooping it up or ooohing and aaahing. Note the sweet little Radish sign on the door above me, another piece lovingly made by the craftmaster herself, Auntie Amanda.

Adorable afghan made by Grandma Hill - so soft and cuddly, and made with such love.

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Our second youngest guest, Torin, getting crazy with all of the wrapping paper (and flirting with all of the ladies).

Auntie Carole sent "Good Dog Carl" for Worden to read to Radish.

This one's for you, Sara P.! Your handmade gift was admired by all!

Leave it to Sara and Gail to come up wth the best themed gift of all - monsters! We missed you both!

Beautiful, vivacious flowers sent by my beautiful, vivacious friend, Tessa, graced the table (and still do!).

Many other wonderful gifts have been arriving all week - lovely books from great aunties and uncles (oh yes, and a Red Sox hat!), sweet little outfits and carvings from Grandma Pam and Buppa, lullabies, little buddies, and cute clothes from Aunt Rachel and Uncle Elbio, and essentials such as a bassinet and a Diaper Genie from Grandma Loretta and Grandpa Steve. We are so thankful to you all for your generosity and love that you've showered on us!

A Bit More Prep

We spent a good part of the second weekend in January getting things a bit more prepped for Radish's arrival. Amanda and I made our first venture to Babies R Us to stock up on some essentials (note that Dave did his daddy duties by straightening up the backyard and basement). Radish's dresser now has the necessary diaper supplies on hand, our kitchen cupboards have a few bottles in store so that Dave can help out with feeding him, and the crib finally has a mattress and a sheet. Practical matters aside, we also added a few more decorations to Radish's nursery.


A squirrelly scene above the changing table.


Dave takes over the meadow scene under the window. Let it be known for the record that this took place during the Packers game (yes, that one, against the Cardinals).



Dave insisted on a belly shot right as I was headed to bed. Indeed, being nearly nine months pregnant can be a bit wearing on a girl. I'm feeling great, but have noticed that heaving this watermelon around is somewhat exhausting by the end of the day. My newfound indulgence is going for a swim a few times a week. Both Radish and I love the bouyancy of the water (and I love the looks I get when I waddle in in my swimsuit!).

My last visit to the doctor, about two weeks ago, showed that Radish is progressing right on schedule in terms of my belly size and weight. Dr. Block said "it sounds like he's having a good ol' time in there," while taking his heartbeat, which I interpret as "his heart is healthy and strong." I'll start seeing Dr. Block every week now, until Radish is born - I'll try to keep you all updated as we anticipate his due date!

Worden's Mystery Malaise

Apologies for the delay in updates. We had quite a scare with our "first child," Worden the Wonder Dog. After his routine vaccinations, he came down with a fever, and went downhill from there, refusing to eat, shivering, displaying none of his usual enthusiasm, and appearing to be in pain when he had to move. After several days of concern and visits to the vet, he was admitted to critical care for two nights, hooked up to an IV for fluids and meds. They ran several diagnostic tests, including an abdominal ultrasound (hence, his shaved belly), and while they were able to rule out a few possible infections, we still do not conclusively know what went wrong. We suspect it was an autoimmune response to his vaccines, and have been advised by the internist at critical care to consider avoiding all vaccines in the future. For now, we are just so relieved to have him home and nearly back to his old self. While I would have preferred to avoid Worden's scare altogether, we've been told that it's good practice for when Radish gets sick (or even just ornery). Many thanks to all of you for sending healthy dog vibes!


Worden's first night back at home, shaved belly for all to see.


Recuperating dogs get full Snoogle privileges.